Shun Cultism, Drug Abuse, Mercy Medical University VC Warns New Students

The Chancellor of Mercy Medical University (MMU), Iwara-Iwo, Osun State, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, has urged newly admitted students to remain focused, abide by the university’s rules, and steer clear of secret cults and other social vices.

He gave the charge during the institution’s 2nd matriculation ceremony and maiden inaugural lecture, held on April 24, 2025, where not less than 1,200 students were officially matriculated.

Ibeto urged the students to be law-abiding, enjoining them to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of the institution and that of their parents.

“We want our students to be law-abiding. Cultism, one-night affairs, and prostitution have no place in this university,” Ibeko cautioned.

Ibeto described MMU as a specialized institution committed to training healthcare professionals across all major disciplines.

“At MMU, we train medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and laboratory technicians. We are building a university that will contribute significantly to the health sector,” he said.

Speaking on his appointment, the Chancellor expressed deep gratitude, describing the role as a surprising and humbling honour.

“I am very happy and flabbergasted. It’s a great recognition by the Senate, governing council, and staff. Being chosen as the first Chancellor is a big surprise to me,” he added.

The ceremony brought together academic leaders, students, and dignitaries to celebrate a new chapter for the institution.

The Vice Chancellor of MMU, Professor Ajibade Bayo Lawal, a renowned nursing expert, used the occasion to highlight the importance of mental health and effective communication in clinical care.

He explained that therapeutic communication is essential in nurse-patient relationships, especially in mental health settings, emphasizing that communication is not just about what is said, but how it is said.

Delivering the maiden edition of inaugural lecture themed: The Journey From Insanity To Sanity:Therapeutic Communication As A Nursing Intervention In Ameliorating Mental Health Challenges”, the university don emphasized that mental health nurses must be equipped with communication skills that will promote therapeutic interaction and eventually empower this disadvantaged group of patients to be able to take charge of their health.

“Given that communication is more than the words spoken, nurses need to understand all the other elements and processes involved in communication. It isn’t only what you say but how you say it,” Lawal noted.

He also expanded on the importance of effective communication in mental healthcare, offering professional advice to nurses and health practitioners.

According to him, psychiatric patients should never be referred to as “mad people” because such language is stigmatizing and harmful.

“We don’t call them mad people. By calling them mad people, we’re making them to be violent,” he warned.

Lawal stressed that patients suffering from mental illness are simply sick and in need of care, not judgment or mockery. He added that therapeutic communication fosters healing, builds trust, and contributes to more effective treatment outcomes.

He further revealed that communication is deeply embedded in the university’s training structure, forming a key part of the curriculum in basic nursing education, university-level training, and specialized mental health programs.

“We are deliberate about raising a generation of health professionals who can communicate effectively, especially with vulnerable patients. It’s one of the values we are building MMU on,” the Vice Chancellor added.

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